Library Support for Curriculum Design and Programme Approval
Supporting programme development with the resources, information and academic skills students need to thrive.
The Library is a key partner in the development and approval of new programmes at Newcastle University. We work collaboratively with academic and professional service colleagues to ensure that students have access to appropriate information resources and opportunities to develop the academic, information and digital skills required for successful study.
Engaging with the Library at an early stage of programme development helps to ensure that resource requirements can be identified, evaluated and planned for before approval. This is especially important when considering resource needs which may carry budget implications.
How we can support programme teams
Information resource provision
Your Faculty Engagement Librarian can provide advice and guidance on the information resources needed to support new programmes and modules.
Our support includes:
- reviewing indicative reading lists
- assessing the availability of essential books, e-books, journals, databases and other learning resources
- identifying gaps in current provision
- investigating and advising on the sustainability of resource models, including e-book licensing and access restrictions
- working with Library colleagues to estimate costs associated with new or expanded resource requirements
- supporting considerations need for programmes delivered online, at multiple locations or through partnership arrangements
- advising on open educational resources and openly available content where appropriate
Where required, we will provide information to support programme approval documentation regarding the adequacy of Library resources and any additional investment that may be needed.
Embedding skills within the curriculum
As part of programme or module design, the Library can work you to identify how to embed skills development within the curriculum in ways that are meaningful and relevant to students' disciplinary learning.
We can support the development of:
- information literacy and critical evaluation skills
- literature searching and evidence-based research skills
- academic integrity and responsible use of information
- referencing and citation practices
- data and information management skills
- developing and communicating ideas from reading to written and verbal communication
- writing skills, including the writing process, sustainable writing habits, and academic, technical, scientific, and reflective writing styles
- assessment literacy and preparation for a range of assessment types
- skills to support independent learning and lifelong learning
Our support may include curriculum design discussions, co-created learning activities, workshops, online learning resources and integrated teaching sessions. Where appropriate, we will provide information to support programme approval documentation regarding working with the Library to embed skills teaching.
Information we need from programme teams
To help us assess resource requirements and provide timely advice, we ask programme teams to share relevant information as early as possible in the approval process.
Where available, this may include:
- draft programme specifications and programme learning outcomes
- module outlines and module learning outcomes.
- indicative reading lists.
- expected student numbers and planned cohort growth.
- proposed delivery methods (on-campus, online or blended).
- information about collaborative, transnational or partner-delivered provision.
- details of specialist resource requirements, including datasets, software, archives or professional standards.
- expected programme approval and implementation timescales.
Providing this information early enables us to assess current provision, identify potential challenges and plan any additional resource requirements.
When to contact us
We recommend contacting your Faculty Engagement Librarian when:
- developing a new programme
- introducing a new module with significant resource requirements
- making substantial changes or major modifications to an existing programme
- increasing student numbers or cohort size significantly
- developing online, distance-learning, lifelong learning, CPD or partnership provision
- exploring the inclusion of new specialist resources, databases or software.
Early engagement allows sufficient time to assess resource implications and identify any actions required before programme approval.
How we work with programme teams
The Faculty Engagement Librarians work in partnership with academic and professional service colleagues throughout the programme development and approval process. We aim to engage at an early stage so that any resource requirements and skills development opportunities can be identified and addressed before approval.
Our support may include:
- discussing proposed programmes and modules to understand learning outcomes, teaching approaches and assessment methods.
- reviewing programme and module documentation to identify information resource requirements.
- evaluating the availability and suitability of existing Library resources.
- identifying any additional investment required in books, journals, databases or other specialist resources.
- advising on reading list design and resource accessibility.
- providing guidance on embedding information, digital and AI literacy skills within the curriculum.
- working with programme teams to map skills development across modules and levels of study.
- contributing information and evidence required for programme approval documentation.
- liaising with other Library and University services where specialist support is required.
By working together during programme development, we can help ensure that students have access to the resources and learning support they need from the start of their programme
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